King’s College London Reinstates Suspended Pro-Palestinian Student

King’s College London (KCL) has notified 22-year-old Egyptian student Usama Ghanem that he will be invited to re-enrol for the 2026/27 academic year. KCL also confirmed that it would begin reviving Ghanem’s visa sponsorship on September 1 (scheduled), noting that any visa decisions are handled by UK Visas & Immigration.

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Ghanem was indefinitely suspended in May 2025 after university officials alleged “non-academic misconduct” linked to his participation in student-led demonstrations calling for the liberation of Palestinians from Israel’s bombing and siege of Gaza. The university cited “regulatory and procedural breaches,” “health and safety concerns,” “offensive or abusive behaviour,” and “operational obstruction.” KCL’s standard review process, scheduled one year after the suspension, was completed this fall.

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A KCL spokesperson explained that the review panel found Ghanem had met the agreed-upon conditions, leading to the re-enrolment decision, while also affirming that the original reasons for suspension remained “clearly communicated.” Regarding visa sponsorship, the spokesperson said:

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• “Decisions about visa sponsorship are not made by King’s but by UK Visas & Immigration, who we have a legal duty to notify of any change in student status.” — the spokesperson

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The Home Office, which oversees UK Visas & Immigration, has not responded to requests for comment.

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Ghanem has filed a lawsuit against KCL alleging breaches of human rights, assault, personal injury, discrimination, and harassment. His UK lawyer, Franck Magennis, praised “sustained legal and public efforts” by supporters.

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The reinstatement has reignited debate over university handling of pro-Palestinian activism. Some academics warned that earlier disciplinary actions represented a broader crackdown on Muslim and students of colour expressing solidarity with Gaza. A protest by pro-Palestinian students is scheduled for October 7 outside the KCL campus.

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